Back in '99/'00 the name Hulk Hogan was synonimous with crappy match/biased booking. it onl took him one comeback in WWE at WM to give life back to a character that was buried. I think that by the time Hogan got into that Mr.America rap he already knew what to do.

What's so good about Bollea's politicking is that right now, still fresh from a hot run with Vince, he can clearly say the fans WANT Hogan, since they cheered him so much back in '02.

Kevin Nash: From clubhouse lawyer to non-factor in the current WWE. Did anyone notice him at all aside from that HITC main event?

Scott Hall: in the doghouse b/c he's a drunk.

Bret Hart: Retired by the current world champion.

Goldberg: if he fails no one will be there to pick up the pieces.

Jeff Jarrett: set to job to Hogan big time.

Randy Savage: Failed as heir of 2Pac, but a good Vanilla Ice knockoff.

I don't think anyone's ever questioned Hogan's brains as far as wrestling goes. The guy's been the best at keeping himself on top regardless of what's going on around him. Hell, even when he was unemployeed a couple years back, he let word leak out that him and McMahon had a couple meetings together, and all of the sudden his name was all over the place with rumors of him coming back. Who knows how much extra he got due to simply getting us to talk about him more.

The only thing that seems to come up that doesn't make any sense to me is when people think he should sacrifice his career/money to make other wrestlers more money.

Seriously, I wonder how many of these "Hogan should choose to job to Benoit every night" people have EVER gone into their bosses office and said "You know, Johnson down the hall has worked a lot harder than me the last couple months, please give him half my paycheck from now on. Matter of fact, just transfer me to the mailroom and give him a promotion"

Tribal Prophet

Wrestling exists in the eternal present. What is, has always been, and when it no longer is, it never was. It has no past and no future, and sometimes even today is in question. - Madame Manga

Originally posted by TheItalianJobBack in '99/'00 the name Hulk Hogan was synonimous with crappy match/biased booking. it onl took him one comeback in WWE at WM to give life back to a character that was buried. I think that by the time Hogan got into that Mr.America rap he already knew what to do.

What's so good about Bollea's politicking is that right now, still fresh from a hot run with Vince, he can clearly say the fans WANT Hogan, since they cheered him so much back in '02.

Kevin Nash: From clubhouse lawyer to non-factor in the current WWE. Did anyone notice him at all aside from that HITC main event?

Scott Hall: in the doghouse b/c he's a drunk.

Bret Hart: Retired by the current world champion.

Goldberg: if he fails no one will be there to pick up the pieces.

Jeff Jarrett: set to job to Hogan big time.

Randy Savage: Failed as heir of 2Pac, but a good Vanilla Ice knockoff.

Hulk Hogan: Set to get millions, jobs, pushes as the next best thing.

This, my friends, is WCW 2003, still alive and kicking.

Hogan is set to get jobs and pushes over who? Also, I doubt he has millions coming in from that deal. Currently, Flair could be aruged as smarter as he didn't piss anyone off and is still WOOOOOOOOOOing about and main eventing RAWs whereas Hogan is in the modern day equivalent of ECW basically. And if we are picking the smartest guy in terms of pushes and the like I'm sure we could find one of those 70 year old Luchadores who still wrestles, or even Misawa. I would say Hogan to NWA is a victory for them, not for Hogan.

"I wear it for the thousands who have died, believen' that the Lord was on their side. I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died, believen' that we all were on their side." RIP Johnny Cash

Currently, Flair could be aruged as smarter as he didn't piss anyone off and is still WOOOOOOOOOOing about and main eventing RAWs whereas Hogan is in the modern day equivalent of ECW basically. And if we are picking the smartest guy in terms of pushes and the like I'm sure we could find one of those 70 year old Luchadores who still wrestles, or even Misawa. I would say Hogan to NWA is a victory for them, not for Hogan.

This is what was said in 97 or whatever it was when HH went to WCW. They didn't have a nationally ranked TV deal (a Saturday show that did ok, but was preempted every couple of weeks for the braves or Hawks) and low ratings, low buys. It wasn't long, was it, before they were competing with Raw by introing Nitro and it wasn't long before they beat them in ratings.

TNA - are they the new competiion we are looking for? Did Vince send HH to TNA so he'd have competion? That would be smart of VKM

It's completely different then in 1994 when Hogan went to WCW because WCW was owned by Turner and already had a TV deal from a guy who was loyal to wrestling. Hogan's name helped Bischoff secure the Nitro timeslot.

It's almost a DECADE later. Perhaps NWATNA is hoping some stuffy middle aged TV executive will see they have Hogan and give them a shot but I would be surprised if that happened.

Hogan's probably looking at this as an ego boost. I took that small fairgrounds promotion brother and I made them big dude! Vince you better take me back soon brother or I'll stick around with NWA. Hogan must be starting to get worried that Vince won't bring him back for Mania.

Originally posted by fuelinjectedIt's completely different then in 1994 when Hogan went to WCW because WCW was owned by Turner and already had a TV deal from a guy who was loyal to wrestling. Hogan's name helped Bischoff secure the Nitro timeslot.

It's almost a DECADE later. Perhaps NWATNA is hoping some stuffy middle aged TV executive will see they have Hogan and give them a shot but I would be surprised if that happened.

Hogan's probably looking at this as an ego boost. I took that small fairgrounds promotion brother and I made them big dude! Vince you better take me back soon brother or I'll stick around with NWA. Hogan must be starting to get worried that Vince won't bring him back for Mania.

Well said. That's EXACTLY what Hogan is banking on, and you know what? Should he boost TNA's buyrates by any measurable degree, why wouldn't McMahon ask him back in time for Mania.

And while it was ten years ago that Hogan helped to turn WCW's fortunes around (and he did, there's really no denying it), the general public still thinks of Hulk Hogan when they think of wrestling. A TV exec sees his name attached to the show, it builds credibility. Simple as that. If Jeff Jarrett or whomever can convince said TV exec that they're doing something new and different with their show; throw in the fact that WWE is unchallenged right now and that their product has dropped in quality because of it and -- who knows -- maybe someone will consider airing TNA shows.

If that happens, Hogan will take credit for that, and maybe rightly so. He deserves for that much, to say the least.

Goldberg tells all in a tell-all interview where he tells all!!! Tons of news about Triple HHH!!! All this plus the ONLY wrestling cartoon anywhere in the latest Inside The Ropes!!!

Originally posted by Tribal ProphetSeriously, I wonder how many of these "Hogan should choose to job to Benoit every night" people have EVER gone into their bosses office and said "You know, Johnson down the hall has worked a lot harder than me the last couple months, please give him half my paycheck from now on. Matter of fact, just transfer me to the mailroom and give him a promotion"

Tribal Prophet

Benoit was never really in the position to be on top of WCW, but there were several instances in WCW where Hogan "doing business" would have helped the company. There were instances with Sting, Randy Savage, and Ric Flair (among others) where - had he put them over - would have helped business considerably. Instead, he brought their stars down.

Had Hogan played his cards right, I do think that WCW could still be alive today. The fault lies on Bischoff, of course, but we all know Hogan played Bischoff like a fiddle, so Hogan knowingly manipulated events for his own personal good over the good of the company.

Of course, Hogan always knew Vince would take him back, so he had nothing to lose. Go, Hogan.

That said, I think Hogan's last run in WWE was a very humbling experience for him. After WrestleMania X8, it was all downhill. He got another title run, flopped, then spent his time putting over more established stars. His presence did not impact the ratings and his last WrestleMania headline match agaisnt Vince McMahon was one of the lowest drawing WrestleManias of the post-1998 era.

If he does come back, while he will have fans cheering for him no matter what, WWE stands with nothing to gain by having him appear as a regular character. I don't think TNA will fare much better.

This isn't 1995. Hogan drew in WCW primarily because of "dream matches" with Luger, Sting, Flair, and all of these other guys coming over from the WWF. Those days are gone.

What Hogan's doing in TNA in 2003 is just like WCW in 2000. You have WCW's and WWE's leftovers, and none really have any upside to a match with Hogan. Hogan vs Waltman? Hogan vs AJ Styles? Hogan vs Jarrett?

Sorry, but comparing Flair to Hogan is ridiculous. Flair is being used as a manager, not even a mouthpiece. His main job is that of telling HHH "Go champ!" before his matches. I wonder sometimes if it turns HHH on to hear his idol talk to him like that. The onl positive is that Flair is giving back to the biz.

Hogan is still able to dictate money, jobs and opponents. The TNA deal bombs? you know there's a bunch of money marks ready to pay Hogan millions to do his thing in a 10 minute match.

Originally posted by TheItalianJobyou know there's a bunch of money marks ready to pay Hogan millions to do his thing in a 10 minute match.

Really? Where are they? He's been gone from WWE for several months right now -- and before his latest stint, he was out of the company for what, six months? Surely the money marks would have made their million-dollar offers by now, no?

It's not to say Hogan has options in Japan, but I wouldn't call the companies there "money marks". An appearance by Hulk Hogan (likely) guarantees a full house there, if he makes the odd appearance.

Goldberg tells all in a tell-all interview where he tells all!!! Tons of news about Triple HHH!!! All this plus the ONLY wrestling cartoon anywhere in the latest Inside The Ropes!!!

Originally posted by TheItalianJobOk, maybe MILLIONS is a little bit stretched but what the hell, ou still have 18 years old booking ol'drunk Jake Roberts. Hogan is a no brainer.

Bar Mitzvahs maybe? store openings?

Sorry... the money marks are spending millions not on Hulk, but on Jake the Snake? I MUST be missing something.

And... uh, when you see Hogan being called up to light some bar mitzvah boy's candle (that sounded dirty, but trust me, it's not), then let me know. I don't see him ready to give away toasters at the local bank just yet, thanks.

You know what? I'm going to leave it at that for now. If I start picking apart all your posts, I'm gonna end up in trouble here....

Goldberg tells all in a tell-all interview where he tells all!!! Tons of news about Triple HHH!!! All this plus the ONLY wrestling cartoon anywhere in the latest Inside The Ropes!!!

NWATNA must be offering Hogan more than he was expecting in his last WWE run otherwise he wouldn't have left. It's not like Mr. America wasn't getting a lot of airtime devoted to his angles so money has to be the underlying reason behind it.

Originally posted by TheItalianJobOk, maybe MILLIONS is a little bit stretched but what the hell, ou still have 18 years old booking ol'drunk Jake Roberts. Hogan is a no brainer.

Bar Mitzvahs maybe? store openings?

Sorry... the money marks are spending millions not on Hulk, but on Jake the Snake? I MUST be missing something.

And... uh, when you see Hogan being called up to light some bar mitzvah boy's candle (that sounded dirty, but trust me, it's not), then let me know. I don't see him ready to give away toasters at the local bank just yet, thanks.

You know what? I'm going to leave it at that for now. If I start picking apart all your posts, I'm gonna end up in trouble here....

no problem about that, pal.

I didn't mean to say jake is getting paid millions, but that if someone is willing to pay jake, then hogan has got no prblem finding steady work.

Originally posted by TheItalianJobSorry, but comparing Flair to Hogan is ridiculous. Flair is being used as a manager, not even a mouthpiece. His main job is that of telling HHH "Go champ!" before his matches. I wonder sometimes if it turns HHH on to hear his idol talk to him like that. The onl positive is that Flair is giving back to the biz.

Hogan is still able to dictate money, jobs and opponents. The TNA deal bombs? you know there's a bunch of money marks ready to pay Hogan millions to do his thing in a 10 minute match.

Once again, working Indies he won't make that much. I'm sorry, but TNA can't offer Hogan as much as the WWE can. Sure he can go back, but right now Hogan is in talk with tiny promotions and flying off to Japan while Flair is still in the top story lines on RAW. This isn't who was bigger or better in the past, but Hogan won't be dipping into Turner's pocket here. Flair is still with McMahon and pretty much is guaranteed a job as long as he wants one with the WWE, has his DVD coming out, doesn't complain or bitch, and he might not have been Mr. America, but who has the job with WWE and who doesn't? For talent of that caliber that's all it comes down too--a Raven or D'Lo might be better of doing NWA/ROH, etc. but Hogan can't--he won't work for what little he's getting. Jake The Snake might get indy booking's, but how much is he making there? Jake leads a sad life, he isn't raking in the dough on the indy circuit with wrestling in a downswing (I think he actually has a school in England now). 20 years ago Hogan could have picked selling out in the AWA, the Omni, Texas with the Von Erich's, Madison Square Garden, etc. Today Hogan has nowhere to go that will offer him the money, nor is it worth it. No indy fed is going to give Hogan tens of thousands of dollars to bring in 500 people to pack a 2000 person high school gym, that's the facts.Flair might be in a managerial role, but HE'S GOT A JOB WITH THE WWE--a solid one, Hogan doesn't. Tell me how that means Hogan is smarter. If Hogan got a deal from TNA like with WCW, I'll admit he won out, but that will never happen. Excluding, Japan Hogan can't pick out his money, his jobs, or his opponents in 99 out of 100 indies. Like Canadian Bulldog said, no one is popping millions out for him. Flair may not be the champ, but ask 99 out of 100 people in the indies which they would be, shopping around to various other indies, or in the main storylines of the WWE main eventing and having high profile matches still, plus when not doing that being the manager of the world champ.

"I wear it for the thousands who have died, believen' that the Lord was on their side. I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died, believen' that we all were on their side." RIP Johnny Cash

Originally posted by Scott Summets Today Hogan has nowhere to go that will offer him the money, nor is it worth it. No indy fed is going to give Hogan tens of thousands of dollars to bring in 500 people to pack a 2000 person high school gym, that's the facts.Flair might be in a managerial role, but HE'S GOT A JOB WITH THE WWE--a solid one, Hogan doesn't. Tell me how that means Hogan is smarter.

Exactly my point, Scott (but much better articulated). Hulk Hogan is not at all in a bad position; the guy has made lord knows how much by turning his past position into a lucrative job. He's done it with Ted Turner, he's done it with Vince; he'll do it again with Japan and TNA.

But it's the law of diminishing returns. With each appearance the aging Hogan makes, the less he'll be able to command. Plus, there just aren't any promotions around that can shell out the kind of money Hogan will demand.

He probably cut a decent deal with TNA, but it's on a limited basis. Maybe just a handful of shows. There's nothing wrong with that, but Ric Flair is getting steady pay in a high-profile role. At the end of the day, Hogan may have a bigger bank account, but Flair has much better job security. I don't think it's preposterous to assume either could retire any time they wanted without a worry in the world.

I'm not saying Hogan signing with TNA is a bad thing from either party; far from it. My point was just that he'll have far from an easy time of it finding steady work.

Goldberg tells all in a tell-all interview where he tells all!!! Tons of news about Triple HHH!!! All this plus the ONLY wrestling cartoon anywhere in the latest Inside The Ropes!!!

Originally posted by SKLOKAZOIDHad Hogan played his cards right, I do think that WCW could still be alive today.

I don't know about that. WCW was almost always losing shitloads of money in the last 10 years or so (I'm probably wrong here, but didn't they only make money for a few years?).

This was a company that paid Sting to sit at home because they gave him a contract that let him work all of his required wrestling days for the year in the first couple of months. It was poorly run for God knows how long, but because Turner liked having a wrestling show, it was always a mainstay on his programming.

What killed WCW was the AOL-Time deal. They were a big title in the "Loss" column, and to please investors, the TV deal was axed and the company was sold to the only person on the planet who had a TV deal still going, Vince.

WCW could have kept going for another 10 years losing money left and right until they came up with another great idea to get in the spotlight. As much as we like to say that "I don't like what so-and-so did, they must be responsible" and it is true that Hogan did what was best for himself and not others (which in my book is fine too, since I still say everyone here would do the same thing), the fact is that the stupid merger is really what killed it.

Tribal Prophet

Wrestling exists in the eternal present. What is, has always been, and when it no longer is, it never was. It has no past and no future, and sometimes even today is in question. - Madame Manga

Originally posted by LionJeetSinghI'm pretty sure all it would take is one phone call for Hogan to go back to WWE if he wanted to...

ah, I'd be surprised about that. Vinnie Mac and HH have the love hate thing going on. Vinnie wants to pursue and get HIS deal. Hogan wants HIS deal. They're similar, I think. If Hogan ever called VKM, VKM might refuse on the principle of "it's too easy."